Vale too strong for New Street (From Andover Advertiser)

Penalty miss costs New Street

2:17pm Monday 25th February 2013 in Sport By Sports editor Kerry Miller

New Street boss Phil Andrews admitted he was “the most disappointed I have been this year” after his side went down 3-0 to Pewsey Vale on Saturday in the Wessex League Division One.

In fact New Street matched Pewsey, who had beaten them 8-0 in the first match at Ball Road, for much of the game, prompting that club to post a comment that it was ‘one hell of a battle for at least 75 minutes’.

Once again sloppy defending let the side down after Street had the better of the early exchanges, Michael Martin finding Tom Ritchie to open the scoring for Vale around the 15 minute mark.

Street had the chance to level soon after from the penalty spot but Ollie Yeates’ effort was saved by Louie La Touche but heads stayed up and they had chances and were camped in the Vale half until half-time.

Sadly, within two minutes a clumsy challenge in the area gave Vale the chance to double the lead and Ritchie duly did so past Dave Tasker.

Street continued to battle away but late on another error presented a third for Martin and the points were gone.

“We played some superb football” said Andrews, ‘but we were a little bit complacent. The 100 per cent effort was not there this week...I gave them the week off last week but I won’t be doing that again!”

“It was a winnable game and not damage limitation but I see it as a missed opportunity.”

Although unbeaten in four games until Saturday, Street are looking for their first win since Dec 15 and have a stern task this Saturday when they go to free scoring Brockenhurst. Kev Doughty and Tommy Gentleman are still suspended, both described by Andrews as ‘ball winners’ but he will be with Casson Spencer, who rejoined the club in the week.

Next Thursday week, March 7, New Street have a rearranged league fixture with Laverstock and Ford.